Gaming enclosure with beverage access

ABSTRACT

A safety gaming enclosure for a gaming space that delineates a gaming space from a spectator space is provided that provides a safe gaming space for players and spectators while providing beverage access to facilitate food and beverage consumption by players and spectators. A net covers an opening defined between vertical supports, the first horizontal bar, and the second horizontal bar. A fence is disposed to provide a see through barrier. A horizontal countertop supported by the enclosure allows access across the enclosure.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to a safety enclosure, and in particular, to a safety enclosure for a gaming space that delineates a gaming space from a spectator space, that protects the spectator space from gaming objects, and that provides enhanced convenience for storage of objects and beverage access.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some games or sports involve the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins set up on a playing surface or a game board. The game board for such games provides a suitable surface upon which game pins may be set up. Individual game pins are set up on the playing surface in a predetermined orientation prior to beginning the game. Depending on the rules of the specific game, the individual game pins can be struck or knocked down with an object thrown or otherwise set in motion by a player. A player's progress can be scored in a variety of ways. For example, a player is rewarded for the number of pins knocked down per toss or in a competitive timed fashion. Such games often require an object such as a ball to effectuate the striking and knocking down of individual game pins. Typically, with this type of game, a player throws or otherwise sets in motion an object such as ball towards the individual game pins. Depending on the rules of the specific game being played, the general goal is usually to strike or knock down the individual game pins with an object such as a ball. A single game can be made up of several rounds. For example, a single game may include 10 rounds, where each player gets 2 or more throws per round. A player's progress can then be scored in a variety of ways. For example, a player could be rewarded a predetermined amount of points for the number of pins knocked down per throw or in a competitive timed fashion. Some games involving the setting up, striking, and knocking down of individual game pins are played recreationally. Such games could also be played more seriously, for example, in a league-play format.

Fowling Enterprises, LLC has pioneered FOWLING™, as a brand for a game that involves throwing an oblong ball, like a football at an array of pins, positioned on a game board in order to knock down pins according to the rules of the game. The pins used in a thrown ball aimed at pins game are similar to, or can include standard pins used in bowling. A thrown ball aimed at pins game board is a forty-two inch by ninety-six inch (42″×96″) rectangle on a platform constructed of half inch plywood fastened to a two inch by four inch (2″×4″) wood frame edge. Typically, a thrown ball aimed at pins game set up has two game boards forty-eight feet (48′) apart. Generally, a player or a team of players stands at one of the game boards and throws the football at the pins arranged on the opposing game board. Once the first player or team's throwing turn has ended, another player or team standing at the other game board throws the football at the pins arranged on the first game board.

If the game is intended to be played in a public setting such as a for-profit facility, then the owner of the facility usually provides the game board, game pins and balls. Such facilities must also take precautions to meet health and safety standards, for example by preventing potential slip and fall situations and by protecting spectators from mis-thrown balls or other stray game equipment. At such facilities a large portion of revenue is generated from the sale of beverages and food for game players and spectators to enjoy while playing and watching the games. However, such food and beverages, particularly around thrown objects, present a significant slip and fall risk in the event of being spilled by a person or after being struck by a stray ball or other game equipment.

Thus, there exists a need for a safety enclosure that provides a safe gaming space for players and spectators while also providing a gaming space that facilitates food and beverage consumption by players and spectators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A gaming enclosure is provided that includes vertical supports, each having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end. A set of horizontal bars each having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, a first horizontal bar of the horizontal bars being disposed between two of the vertical supports at the second ends of the two of the vertical supports, a second horizontal bar of the horizontal bars being disposed between the two of the vertical supports at a position between the first ends and the second ends of the two of the vertical supports. A net covers an opening defined between the two of the vertical supports, the first horizontal bar, and the second horizontal bar. A fence is disposed below the second horizontal bar and spanning between the two of the supports, the fence having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the fence positioned adjacent to the first ends of the two of the vertical supports, the upper end of the fence providing a horizontal surface that is spaced apart from the second horizontal bar by a distance.

A gaming enclosure is also provided that includes a frame having at least two vertical supports and at least one horizontal bar, each of the vertical supports having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end and the at least one horizontal bar having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, the at least one horizontal bar being disposed between the at least two vertical supports at the second ends of the at least two vertical supports. An upper barrier is positioned above the at least one horizontal bar of the frame. A horizontal countertop is provided having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, the horizontal countertop being disposed between the at least two vertical supports of the frame and positioned below and spaced apart from the at least one horizontal bar of the frame by a distance. A lower barrier is positioned below the horizontal countertop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The subject matter that is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the safety enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side cross-sectional view of the safety enclosure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a front view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a front view of a safety enclosure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has utility as a safety enclosure for a gaming space that delineates a gaming space from a spectator space, that provides a safe gaming space for players and spectators, that protects the spectator space from gaming objects, and that provides enhanced convenience for storage of objects and beverage access to facilitate food and beverage consumption by players and spectators.

It is to be understood that in instances where a range of values are provided that the range is intended to encompass not only the end point values of the range but also intermediate values of the range as explicitly being included within the range and varying by the last significant figure in the range. By way of example, a recited range from 1 to 4 is intended to include 1-2, 1-3, 2-4, 3-4, and 1-4.

The present invention provides a gaming enclosure 10 that includes a frame 20, a horizontal countertop 40, an upper barrier 50, and a lower barrier 60. The gaming enclosure 10 is configured to be installed outside or inside a building to delineate a gaming area on a first side and a spectator area on a second side.

The frame 20 includes at least two vertical supports 22 and at least one horizontal bar 24. Each of the vertical supports 22 has a first end 26 and an oppositely disposed second end 28. The at least one horizontal bar 24 has a first end 30 and an oppositely disposed second end 32. The at least one horizontal bar 24 is disposed between the at least two vertical supports 22 at the second ends 28 of the at least two vertical supports 22. According to embodiments, the first end 26 of each of the at least two vertical supports 22 of the frame 20 is configured to be supported on or attach to a ground surface G, which according to embodiments is a floor of a building, an outside floor surface, or the ground. According to embodiments, the frame 20 is supported on the ground surface G by a foot 34 that is attached to the first end 26 of each of the at least two vertical supports 22 of the frame 20. In such an embodiments, the feet allow the frame 20 to be sufficiently supported on the ground surface G while also allowing the gaming enclosure to be repositionable and rearrangeable. According to embodiments, the first end 26 of each of the at least two vertical supports 22 of the frame 20 is attached to the ground surface G by a plurality of fasteners, such as bolts, which according to embodiments, pass through each of the feet 34. According to embodiments, the first end 26 of each of the at least two vertical supports 22 are attached to the ground surface by being embedded in the ground surface, such as by being at least partially buried into the ground or in a substance such as concrete. According to embodiments, the at least two vertical supports 22 and the at least one horizontal bar 24 of the frame 20 are formed of metal, such as steel or aluminum. Accordingly, the least one horizontal bar 24 may be welded to the at least two vertical supports 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the vertical supports 22 of frame 20 are tall as compared to the vertical supports 22 of the frame 20 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The taller vertical supports 22 of FIGS. 1-4 may have a vertical length of 7 to 50 feet. According to embodiments, the second ends 28 of such taller vertical supports 22 may be attached to the ceiling of a building. In contrast, the shorter vertical supports 22 of FIGS. 8 and 9 may have a vertical length of 3 to 7 feet. According to embodiments, the frame 20 includes additional horizontal bars 24′, 24″. As shown in FIG. 4, an additional horizontal bar 24″ may be positioned near the first ends 26 of the vertical supports 22 and/or, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, an additional horizontal bar 24′ may be positioned between the vertical supports 22 at a position between the first ends 26 and the second ends 28 of the vertical supports 22.

The horizontal countertop 40 has a first end 42 and an oppositely disposed second end 44. The horizontal countertop 40 is disposed between and spans the at least two vertical supports 22 of the frame 20. The horizontal countertop 40 provides a surface suitable for supporting food or beverage vessels, such as cups, bottles, cans, mugs, cups, plates, and bowls. The horizontal countertop 40 is positioned below and spaced apart from at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ of the frame 20 by a distance D. Accordingly, the horizontal countertop 40 and the at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ of the frame 20 define a passthrough opening 46 that extends from the gaming area on a first side of the gaming enclosure 10 to a spectator area on a second side of the gaming enclosure 10. According to embodiments, the distance D between the horizontal countertop 40 and the at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ is large enough to allow common food and beverage vessels such as cups, bottles, cans, mugs, cups, plates, and bowls to be passed through the passthrough opening 46, while also being small enough to reduce the likelihood of gaming objects, such as a game ball or a stray pin, passing through the passthrough opening 46 from the gaming area to the spectator area and reduce the likelihood of such gaming objects coming into contact with objects, such as personal belongings and food or beverage vessels, supported on the horizontal countertop 40. Thus, the passthrough opening 46 provides enhanced convenience for storage of objects and beverage access to facilitate food and beverage consumption by players and spectators. According to embodiments, the distance between the horizontal countertop 40 and the at least one horizontal bar 24 is at least 3 inches. According to embodiments, the horizontal countertop 40 includes a slip resistant coating. As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the horizontal countertop 40 is cantilevered from the frame, which allows for chairs or stools to be used with the horizontal countertop 40 on a spectator side of the gaming enclosure 10. For added convenience and safety with regard to the storage of personal items of spectators and players, according to embodiments, at least one hanging hook 48 is attached to at least one of the frame 20, a lower barrier (discussed further below) or the underside of the horizontal countertop 40.

As shown in FIGS. 5-7, the passthrough 46 is further protected by a flange 49 that extends from at least one of the at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ positioned directly above the horizontal countertop 40 or from the horizontal countertop 40 on a first, gaming area side of the gaming enclosure 10. The flange 49 may be horizontally positioned, vertically positioned, or positioned on an angle other than horizontal or vertical. The flange 49 is configured to deflect a gaming object such as a game ball or a stray pin, thereby reducing the likelihood of the gaming object hitting objects, such as food or beverage containers, stored on the horizontal countertop 40 or passing through the passthrough 46 into the spectator area on the second side of the gaming enclosure 10. The flange 49 is also configured to allow objects, such as food or beverage containers, stored on the horizontal countertop 40 to be retrieved by game players on the gaming area side of the gaming enclosure 10 via the passthrough 46. It will be understood that a flange 49 that extends from the horizontal countertop 40 provides an additional benefit of reducing the likelihood of an object, such as food or beverage containers, stored on the horizontal countertop 40 from falling off the horizontal countertop 40 into the gaming area, thereby reducing the risk of spills in the gaming area that otherwise could lead to dangerous slip and fall conditions. According to embodiments, the flange 49 is formed of metal or wood.

The upper barrier 50 of the gaming enclosure 10 is positioned above at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ of the frame 20. The upper barrier 50 is configured to prevent gaming objects such as a game ball or a stray pin from leaving the gaming area and passing into the spectator area. According to embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is also configured to allow spectators on the spectator side of the gaming enclosure 10 to see through to the gaming side of the gaming enclosure 10 so that the spectators may view the game as it is played within the gaming area. According to embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is a mesh, such as a metal chain link mesh or a fabric net, a pane or plexiglass, a plurality of bars or rods, a plurality of parallel ropes, or a plurality of parallel metal cords. According to embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is configured to be at least partially attached to the frame 20. According to embodiments, only a lower edge 52 of the upper barrier 50 is attached to the frame 20, while an upper edge 56 is configured to be attached to at least one securement surface 58, such as a wall or a ceiling of a building, or a pole. According to embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is attached to the frame at only the at least one horizontal bar 24, 24′ that is directly above the horizontal countertop 40, while according to other embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is attached to any of the at least two vertical supports 22, the at least one horizontal bar 24 positioned at the second ends 28 of the vertical supports 22, and any additional horizontal bars 24′ that make up the frame 20, such that the upper barrier 50 covers an opening defined between the two of the plurality of vertical supports 22 of the frame 20, the first horizontal bar 24, and a second horizontal bar 24′. According to embodiments, the upper barrier 50 is provided on a frame 59 that is configured to be attached to at least the frame 20 to nest within the opening defined between the vertical supports 22 of the frame 20, the first horizontal bar 24, and a second horizontal bar 24′. Such a frame 59 may be attached to the frame 20, such that the upper barrier 50 is indirectly attached to the frame 20. By providing the upper barrier 50 on a frame 59, the upper barrier 50 may be provided in smaller segments that make up the entire upper barrier 50, making repair or replacement of sections of the upper barrier 50 easier.

The lower barrier 60 of the gaming enclosure 10 is positioned below the horizontal countertop 40. The lower barrier 60 is configured to prevent gaming objects such as a game ball or a stray pin from leaving the gaming area and passing into the spectator area. According to embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is a mesh, such as a metal chain link mesh or a fabric net, a pane or plexiglass, a plurality of bars or rods, a plurality of parallel ropes, a plurality of parallel metal cords, or a fence. According to embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is configured to be at least partially attached to the frame 20. According to embodiments, only the side edges 62 of the lower barrier 60 are attached to the frame 20 at the vertical supports 22, while an upper edge 64 is configured to be attached to the underside of the horizontal countertop 40. According to embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is attached to the frame at only the third horizontal bar 24″ or the horizontal countertop 40, while according to other embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is attached to any of the at least two vertical supports 22, the third horizontal bar 24″, and the horizontal countertop 40, for example an additional horizontal bar 24″ positioned at the first ends 26 of the vertical supports 22, such that the lower barrier 60 covers an opening defined between the two of the plurality of vertical supports 22 of the frame 20, the horizontal countertop 40, and the ground surface G. According to embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is provided on a frame that is configured to be attached to at least the frame 20 to nest within the opening defined between the vertical supports 22 of the frame 20, the horizontal countertop 40, and the ground surface G. Such a frame may be attached to the frame 20, such that the lower barrier 60 is indirectly attached to the frame 20. By providing the lower barrier 60 on a frame, the lower barrier 60 may be provided in smaller segments that make up the entire lower barrier 60, making repair or replacement of sections of the lower barrier 60 easier.

According to embodiments, the lower barrier 60 is a fence that spans between the vertical supports 22 of the frame 20 at a position below the horizontal countertop 40. According to embodiments, the fence 60 is attached to the vertical supports 22 by a plurality of brackets 68 and fasteners 67. The fence has an upper end 64 and a lower end 66, the lower end 66 of the fence positioned adjacent to the first ends 26 of the vertical supports 22. According to embodiments, the upper end 64 of the fence providing a horizontal surface that forms the horizontal countertop 40. According to embodiments, the fence forming the lower barrier 60 is formed of wood.

As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the preferred embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention defined in the following claims. 

1. A gaming enclosure comprising: a plurality of vertical supports, each of the plurality of vertical supports having a vertical support first end and a vertical support oppositely disposed second end; a plurality of horizontal bars each having a horizontal bar first end and a horizontal bar oppositely disposed second end, a first horizontal bar of the plurality of horizontal bars being disposed between two of the plurality of vertical supports at the second ends of the two of the plurality of vertical supports, a second horizontal bar of the plurality of horizontal bars being disposed between the two of the plurality of vertical supports at a position between the first ends and the second ends of the two of the plurality of vertical supports; a net covering an opening defined between the two of the plurality of vertical supports, the first horizontal bar, and the second horizontal bar; a fence disposed below the second horizontal bar and spanning between the two of the plurality of vertical supports, the fence having an upper end and a lower end, the lower end of the fence positioned adjacent to the first ends of the two of the plurality of vertical supports, the upper end of the fence providing a horizontal surface that is spaced apart from the second horizontal bar by a distance.
 2. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first end of each of the plurality of vertical supports is configured to attach to a floor or a ground surface.
 3. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the net is provided on a frame that nests within the opening defined between the two of the plurality of vertical supports, the first horizontal bar, and the second horizontal bar.
 4. The gaming enclosure of claim 3, wherein the frame is attached to the two of the plurality of vertical supports, the first horizontal bar, and the second horizontal bar.
 5. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the net is attached to at least the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar.
 6. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the first horizontal bar and the second horizontal bar are welded to the two of the plurality of vertical supports.
 7. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the gaming enclosure delineates a gaming area on a first side and a spectator area on a second side.
 8. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, further comprising hanging hooks attached to the fence.
 9. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the horizontal surface of the fence and the second horizontal bar define a passthrough opening.
 10. The gaming enclosure of claim 1, wherein the distance between the horizontal surface of the fence and the second horizontal bar is at least three inches.
 11. A gaming enclosure comprising: a frame having at least two vertical supports and at least one horizontal bar, each of the vertical supports having a vertical support first end and a vertical support oppositely disposed second end and the at least one horizontal bar having a horizontal bar first end and a horizontal bar oppositely disposed second end, the at least one horizontal bar being disposed between the at least two vertical supports at the second ends of the at least two vertical supports; an upper barrier positioned above the at least one horizontal bar of the frame; a horizontal countertop having a first end and an oppositely disposed second end, the horizontal countertop being disposed between the at least two vertical supports of the frame and positioned below and spaced apart from the at least one horizontal bar of the frame by a distance; and a lower barrier positioned below the horizontal countertop.
 12. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, wherein the upper barrier is a mesh configured to be attached to the frame.
 13. The gaming enclosure of claim 12, wherein the net of the upper barrier has a lower edge attached to the frame and an upper edge configured to be attached to at least one securement surface.
 14. The gaming enclosure of claim 13, wherein the upper barrier is a net provided on a net frame that is configured to be attached to at least the frame.
 15. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, wherein the gaming enclosure delineates a gaming area on a first side and a spectator area on a second side.
 16. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, wherein the horizontal countertop and the at least one horizontal bar define a passthrough opening.
 17. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, wherein the horizontal countertop is cantilevered from the frame.
 18. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, wherein the lower barrier is a net configured to be attached to the frame.
 19. The gaming enclosure of claim 11, further comprising a flange extending from at least one of the at least one horizontal bar or the horizontal countertop on a first side of the gaming enclosure. 